Trump raises fracking, abortion in meeting with Cuomo

BY BRETT SAMUELS - 02/12/19 05:57 PM EST 524President Trump on Tuesday suggested that New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) open the state up to fracking to improve its economy, and he also raised concerns about the state's recent legislation that expanded access to abortion.

The two New Yorkers spoke at the White House after Cuomo requested a meeting to discuss a provision in the Republicans' 2017 tax-cut law that caps the state and local tax (SALT) deduction at $10,000.

The meeting largely focused on economic issues, though Trump brought up abortion as well, the White House said.

Deputy press secretary Judd Deere said in a statement that Trump listened to Cuomo's concerns about SALT, and "reiterated the negative impact that high taxes in states like New York have on hardworking families and job creators."

"The President discussed economic growth opportunities for the State of New York, including helping lower energy prices throughout the entire Northeast by allowing low-cost, American energy to thrive with fracking and pipeline systems," Deere said. "The two also discussed the need to update America’s outdated infrastructure system."

Cuomo signed a ban on fracking in New York roughly four years ago, citing health risks. The practice involves injecting water and chemicals underground in order to fracture rocks and release natural gas.

The governor has faced criticism for the stagnating economy in parts of upstate New York, where fracking could provide a boost.

Trump earlier this month suggested that those in upstate New York struggling to find prosperity should "go to another state where they can get a great job."

Tuesday's meeting came after Cuomo earlier this month said that personal income tax receipts declined in the state in December and January. He attributed that decline to the cap on the SALT deduction.

Cuomo has argued that the rule disproportionately harms residents of New York and other high-tax states like California and New Jersey.

Trump last week indicated that he is open to revisiting the cap on the deduction. However, a spokesman for Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said the panel wouldn't revisit the deduction cap this year.

In addition to the economic discussion, Trump "raised his concerns to Governor Cuomo about Democrats’ support of late term abortions," Deere said.

New York lawmakers last month passed legislation expanding women’s access to abortions. The bill allows women to get abortions after 24 weeks if their life or health is threatened by the pregnancy, or if the fetus is not viable.

Trump has seized on the bill, as well as another proposal in Virginia that would allow third-trimester abortions in certain cases, to hammer Democrats and call on Congress to pass legislation outlawing late-term abortions.